Code Quote by John Carmack
“The cost of adding a feature isn't just the time it takes to code it. The cost also includes the addition of an obstacle to future expansion. ... The trick is to pick the features that don't fight each other.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Talk on Software Development, John Carmack, 2009
Feature addition incurs hidden costs, creating future constraints; choose compatible features to avoid conflict.
In simple terms: Adding features can block future growth; pick ones that work together.
Key Takeaway
Select features that complement each other.
Themes
software design
tradeoffs
future-proofing
Mood
analytical
practical
Type
guidance
technical
When to use this quote
- product planning
- feature prioritization
- software engineering
- project management
Key Concepts
technical debt
system architecture
Questions to Reflect On
- Which features could hinder future expansion?
- How can you evaluate feature compatibility early?
A Different Perspective
May underestimate long‑term maintenance effort.
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